What if you tried a whole new genre?

Though parents of toddlers may grow weary of the endless flow of “What ifs” from a curious three-year old, what the world needs most is a concerted effort to keep that inquisitive spirit alive. Historians, scientists and fiction writers grapple with – and celebrate – the what ifs of life in wondrous ways. Fortunately for readers, they share their questions through the written word.

And fortunately for library users the library offers what if literature in abundance.

Explore the tip of the library’s what if holdings now on display at the Minneapolis Central Library. Volunteer Ruthann Ovenshire has combed the shelves for fiction titles that grapple with serious what if issues. Her list of alternative histories includes these tomes: